Each September, the Greater Savannah Coalition on Aging holds a fundraising event called Senior Safari, which actually is a number of events rolled into a two-week celebration of, and for, seniors.  
This year’s events will be held between Sept. 16-27 in Savannah and Richmond Hill.
GSCOA members are asked to host and/or help sponsor fun, exciting activities geared particularly for the senior population. Most events are held at senior-living communities throughout the greater Savannah area. A few are held at community centers that are equipped to host a large number of people.
There are 12 individual events in all. Seniors will trek throughout greater Savannah and Richmond Hill for two weeks on a safari filled with wonderful activities, which include line dancing, entertainment, great food and, oh yeah, BINGO!
This year’s theme is “Hooray for Hollywood.” Each hosting site has chosen a movie theme to build a special event upon. Two of the events are being held in Richmond Hill. Magnolia Manor on the Coast will host its function from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27.  
“This year’s event is based on the movie The Wizard of Oz,” Magnolia Manor Admissions Director Julie Licavoli said. “There will be live entertainment, great food and door prizes. We always enjoy this opportunity to serve our seniors and have some fun.”
The Suites at Station Exchange will host a celebration of music from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Richmond Hill City Center. This red-carpet affair is based on the movie “The Sound of Music” and features local singers performing famous songs from both the movie and that wonderful era of old standards, which boasted such great singers as Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Tony Bennett and many more.  
Folks who purchase tickets will have opportunities to dance and be treated to a wonderful buffet dinner.  There also will be door prizes and a keepsake photograph to take home.
Tickets for each affair are only $5. Much of the reason why tickets are so inexpensive is due to the sponsors that help pay for the costs to host such wonderful productions. This also helps keep Senior Safari affordable for all seniors. You can purchase tickets for each event or just the ones you are interested in.
Tickets go on sale from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday at the Hoskins Center at Memorial Hospital during the Annual Senior Safari Kickoff Party — and tickets sell out fast. The Kickoff Party is fun and full of music, dancing, food and prizes.  It’s also free!  Make plans now to attend the Kickoff Party and purchase your tickets for these unique and exciting events.
Email me at the address below if you would like a copy of the advertisement highlighting each Senior Safari event.  I will be happy to email you one, or send one to you in the mail. You also can pick up a copy of the flyer just by attending the Kickoff Party. But don’t delay, or your safari will be sold out and you will have to wait until next year’s event to participate in all the fun.

DeLong is the executive director of The Suites at Station Exchange. Email him at Suites.StationExchange@gmail.com